Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Asli Acundas, co-founder of Humm Organic, located in Istanbul, Turkiye.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Me and my two partners, Damla and Hale, established Humm Organic in 2017. Our goal was to produce organic, healthy, and nutritious snacks for kids. By the time our brand and our product range expanded, we became a family brand also preferred by all health-conscious people.
Tell us about yourself
I studied Industrial Design and did my master's in Marketing Communications. In 2016 I was living in Dublin, and when I visited Istanbul, I wasn't able to find any healthy snacks for my 2-year-old son. I was also interested in cooking and trying all healthy recipes at home. I shared my problem with my sister Hale and her sister-in-law Damla (we became mothers at the same time). They had the same problem as I did. So we thought, why we don't do this together for our kids in the first place? Our true motivation is to be able to contribute a positive effect on children's lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We are a woman-owned company, and most of our employees are women. Which-we believe- allows us to be more rigorous about our business. In addition to that, my personal dream came true when I saw our snacks in kids' lunch boxes.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As our company grows, I have less time to do fun stuff like tasting snacks all day and answering questions on Instagram. Now it's all about P&Ls and marketing. Thankfully numbers are not my strong suit. That's Damla's profession.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Damla always says you can't reap what you don't measure. Be detailed and be able to control and measure every aspect of your business. Share tasks with your partners. Respect one another's proficiency and thoughts.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.humm.com.tr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hummorganic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummorganic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hummorganic/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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